Nicolò Zaniolo fuels transfer race as Juventus, Milan and Como vie for striker

Udinese has exercised its buy‑back clause on Nicolò Zaniolo, paying €5 million to Galatasaray, but the 24‑year‑old is unhappy with the €1.2 million‑per‑year salary on offer. The club’s hierarchy, led by Gino Pozzo, is holding a decisive meeting with Zaniolo’s agent Claudio Vigorelli to renegotiate terms. If an agreement cannot be reached, Udinese has signalled it could sell the player for a minimum of €20 million.

Several Serie A clubs are monitoring the situation. Juventus is the most prominent suitor, viewing Zaniolo as a ready‑made talent that would fit their budget without major spending. Milan and Como are also reported to be interested, with Como, under Cesc Fabregas, prepared to meet a €15‑million price tag and even propose a deal involving young forward Vasili Adjic. Lazio and other clubs have been mentioned but remain on the sidelines.

In a related transfer saga, Inter is pursuing Argentine forward Nico Paz. The club’s strategy hinges on generating sufficient funds, potentially by off‑loading Curtis Jones, to meet Real Madrid’s €60 million price demand. Real Madrid may exercise a buy‑back clause for €9‑10 million, with a further €80 million recompra option. Como, the current holder of Paz’s loan, is set to meet Real Madrid to discuss terms, while Inter watches closely, ready to intervene if the financial conditions align.